U.S. patent number 11,165,174 [Application Number 17/001,159] was granted by the patent office on 2021-11-02 for electrical connector with shearable fastener.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Hubbell Incorporated. The grantee listed for this patent is Hubbell Incorporated. Invention is credited to Dana Khalid Saeed.
United States Patent |
11,165,174 |
Saeed |
November 2, 2021 |
Electrical connector with shearable fastener
Abstract
A fastener for connecting an electrical conductor to a connector
body includes a first portion adapted to engage an opening of the
connector body and a second portion engaging the first portion. The
second portion includes a head, a base coupled to the first portion
and including an end adapted to engage the electrical conductor,
and a shearable section positioned between the head and the
base.
Inventors: |
Saeed; Dana Khalid (Manchester,
NH) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hubbell Incorporated |
Shelton |
CT |
US |
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Assignee: |
Hubbell Incorporated (Shelton,
CT)
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Family
ID: |
1000005902869 |
Appl.
No.: |
17/001,159 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2020 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20200388938 A1 |
Dec 10, 2020 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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16206637 |
Nov 30, 2018 |
10756452 |
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62592711 |
Nov 30, 2017 |
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62719425 |
Aug 17, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R
43/04 (20130101); H01R 4/36 (20130101); F16B
31/021 (20130101); H01R 4/307 (20130101); H01R
11/28 (20130101); H01R 11/09 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01R
13/58 (20060101); H01R 4/36 (20060101); H01R
43/04 (20060101); F16B 31/02 (20060101); H01R
11/09 (20060101); H01R 4/30 (20060101); H01R
11/28 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;439/475,797,813,814 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
PCT/US2018/063406 International Search Report and Written Opinion
dated Mar. 4, 2019 (13 pages). cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Dinh; Phuong K
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Michael Best & Friedrich
LLP
Parent Case Text
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/206,637, filed on Nov. 30, 2018, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/592,711, filed Nov. 30, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/719,425, filed Aug. 17, 2018. The entire
contents of these applications are incorporated by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fastener for connecting an electrical conductor to a connector
body, the fastener comprising: a first portion including an outer
surface having a threaded section and a non-threaded section, the
threaded section adapted to engage an opening of the connector
body, the non-threaded section providing a stop to limit insertion
of the first portion into the opening beyond a predetermined point;
a second portion engaging the first portion, the second portion
including, a head; a base coupled to the first portion, the base
including an end adapted to engage the electrical conductor; and a
shearable section positioned between the head and the base.
2. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the base is threadable into the
first portion to progressively insert the end into the connector
body until the end contacts an outer surface of the electrical
conductor.
3. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the non-threaded section is
configured to position an upper end of the first portion flush with
the outer surface of the connector body.
4. The fastener of claim 1, wherein an end of the base includes a
flange, wherein the flange engages an upper end of the first
portion for rotating the first portion and the second portion
together.
5. The fastener of claim 1, further comprising a fixed break off
point positioned adjacent the base, and wherein the head separates
from the base at the fixed break off point when a predetermined
torque limit is reached.
6. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the shearable section includes
an aperture and the base includes a corresponding aperture, the
fastener further comprising a shear pin extending through the
apertures, and wherein the shear pin is configured to shear when an
upper end of the first portion is positioned adjacent an outer
surface of the connector body, thereby allowing rotation of the
second portion relative to the first portion.
7. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the head includes at least one
of an outer hex profile and a socket, and wherein the fastener is
configured to be rotated by a drive tool engaging at least one of
the outer hex profile and the socket.
8. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the head includes an inner
surface defining a socket, the socket extending from an end surface
of the head, through the shearable section, and partially through
the base to facilitate removal of the base from the connector body
after the head has separated from the base.
9. The fastener of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of an inner
surface of the first portion includes threads, and wherein an outer
surface of the base includes threads for threadably engaging the
threads on the inner surface of the first portion.
10. The fastener of claim 1, wherein the first portion includes an
end surface positioned proximate the opening of the connector body,
the end surface including at least one feature configured to
receive a tool to facilitate rotation of the first portion relative
to the connector body.
11. A fastener for connecting an electrical conductor to a
connector body, the fastener comprising: a first portion adapted to
engage an opening of the connector body; a second portion engaging
the first portion, the second portion including, a head; a base
coupled to the first portion, the base including a first end
adapted to engage the electrical conductor and a second end
including a flange, the flange engaging an upper end of the first
portion for rotating the first portion and the second portion
together; and a shearable section positioned between the head and
the base.
12. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the base is threadable into
the first portion to progressively insert the first end into the
connector body until the first end contacts an outer surface of the
electrical conductor.
13. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the first portion includes an
outer surface having a threaded section and a non-threaded section,
the non-threaded section providing a stop to prevent over insertion
of the first portion into the opening beyond a predetermined
point.
14. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the flange is separable from
the base due to threading the second portion relative to the first
portion after the first portion is inhibited from further rotation,
and wherein the second portion is further threadable into the first
portion after the flange is separated from the base.
15. The fastener of claim 11, further comprising a fixed break off
point positioned adjacent the base, and wherein the head separates
from the base at the fixed break off point when a predetermined
torque limit is reached.
16. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the shearable section
includes an aperture and the base includes a corresponding
aperture, the fastener further comprising a shear pin extending
through the apertures, and wherein the shear pin is configured to
shear when an upper end of the first portion is positioned adjacent
an outer surface of the connector body, thereby allowing rotation
of the second portion relative to the first portion.
17. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the head includes at least
one of an outer hex profile and a socket, and wherein the fastener
is configured to be rotated by a drive tool engaging at least one
of the outer hex profile and the socket.
18. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the head includes an inner
surface defining a socket, the socket extending from an end surface
of the head, through the shearable section, and partially through
the base to facilitate removal of the base from the connector body
after the head has separated from the base.
19. The fastener of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of an
inner surface of the first portion includes threads, and wherein an
outer surface of the base includes threads for threadably engaging
the threads on the inner surface of the first portion.
20. The fastener of claim 11, wherein the first portion includes an
end surface positioned proximate the opening of the connector body,
the end surface including at least one feature configured to
receive a tool to facilitate rotation of the first portion relative
to the connector body.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates to a fastener for coupling and
electrically connecting electrical conductors, and more
particularly to a shearable bolt positioned within a connector
block for maintaining electrical contact with at least one
electrical conductor.
SUMMARY
In one independent aspect, a fastener for connecting an electrical
conductor to a connector body includes a first portion adapted to
engage an opening of the connector body and a second portion
engaging the first portion. The second portion includes a head, a
base coupled to the first portion and including an end adapted to
engage the electrical conductor, and a shearable section positioned
between the head and the base.
In some aspects, the base is threadable into the first portion to
progressively insert the end into the connector body until the end
contacts an outer surface of the electrical conductor.
In some aspects, the first portion includes an outer surface having
a threaded section and a non-threaded section, the non-threaded
section providing a stop to prevent over insertion of the first
portion into the opening beyond a predetermined point.
In some aspects, the non-threaded section is configured to position
an upper end of the first portion flush with the outer surface of
the connector body.
In some aspects, an end of the base includes a flange, and the
flange engages an upper end of the first portion for rotating the
first portion and the second portion together.
In some aspects, the flange is separable from the base due to
threading the second portion relative to the first portion after
the first portion is inhibited from further rotation, and the
second portion is further threadable into the first portion after
the flange is separated from the base.
In some aspects, a fixed break off point is positioned at an end of
the shearable section and adjacent the base, and the head separates
from the base at the fixed break off point when a predetermined
torque limit is reached.
In some aspects, the shearable section includes an aperture and the
base includes a corresponding aperture, and a shear pin extends
through the apertures, and the shear pin is configured to shear
when an upper end of the first portion is positioned adjacent an
outer surface of the connector body, thereby allowing rotation of
the second portion relative to the first portion.
In some aspects, the head includes at least one of an outer hex
profile and a socket, and the fastener is configured to be rotated
by a drive tool engaging at least one of the outer hex profile and
the socket.
In some aspects, the head includes an inner surface defining a
socket, the socket extending from an end surface of the head,
through the shearable section, and partially through the base to
facilitate removal of the base from the connector body after the
head has separated from the base.
In some aspects, at least a portion of an inner surface of the
first portion includes threads, and an outer surface of the base
includes threads for threadably engaging the threads on the inner
surface of the first portion.
In some aspects, the first portion includes an end surface
positioned proximate the opening of the connector body, and the end
surface includes at least one feature configured to receive a tool
to facilitate rotation of the first portion relative to the
connector body.
In another independent aspect, an electrical connector includes a
connector body and a fastener. The connector body includes at least
one bore for receiving an electrical conductor, and at least one
opening in communication with the bore. The fastener is coupled to
the opening of the connector body, and the fastener includes a
first portion and a second portion. The first portion is adapted to
engage an opening of the connector body, and the second portion
includes a head, a base coupled to the first portion, and a
shearable section positioned between the head and the base. The
base includes an end adapted to engage the electrical
conductor.
In some aspects, the first portion includes an outer surface having
a threaded section and a non-threaded section, the non-threaded
section providing a stop to prevent over insertion of the first
portion into the opening beyond a predetermined point.
In some aspects, an end of the base includes a flange, wherein the
flange engages an upper end of the first portion for rotating the
first portion and the second portion together.
In some aspects, the flange is separable from the base due to
threading the second portion relative to the first portion after
the first portion is inhibited from further rotation, and the
second portion is further threadable into the first portion after
the flange is separated from the base.
In some aspects, a fixed break off point is positioned at an end of
the shearable section and adjacent the base, and the head separates
from the base at the fixed break off point when a predetermined
torque limit is reached.
In some aspects, the head includes an inner surface defining a
socket, the socket extending from an end surface of the head,
through the shearable section, and partially through the base to
facilitate removal of the base from the connector body after the
head has separated from the base.
In some aspects, the first portion includes an end surface
positioned proximate the opening of the connector body, the end
surface including at least one feature configured to receive a tool
to facilitate rotation of the first portion relative to the
connector body.
In yet another independent aspect, a method of connecting an
electrical conductor to a connector body includes: co-rotating a
first portion and a second portion of a fastener to insert the
first portion into an opening of the connector body, until an upper
end of the first portion is substantially flush with an outer
surface of the connector body; further inserting the second portion
relative to the first portion until a base end of the second
portion engages the electrical connector; and shearing a head of
the second portion from a base of the second portion along a
predetermined shear section.
In some aspects, the method further includes inhibiting rotation of
the first portion when a non-threaded section of the first portion
is adjacent an outer surface of the connector body.
In some aspects, an end of the base includes a flange, and the
flange engages an upper end of the first portion to couple the
first portion and the second portion for co-rotation.
In some aspects, the method includes breaking the flange from the
base when the upper end of the first portion is substantially flush
with the outer surface of the connector body.
In some aspects, after breaking the flange, the second portion
rotates relative to the first portion to progressively insert the
second portion through the first portion.
Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed
description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connector including fasteners and
a connector block.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fasteners and connector
block of FIG. 1, viewed along section 2-2.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 1 with a
first portion in a first position relative to a second portion of
the fastener.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 1 with a with
a portion of a flange separated.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 3A viewed
along section 4-4.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the fastener of FIG. 3A.
FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the fastener of FIG. 3A with the
first portion in a second position relative to the second portion
of the fastener.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 6 viewed
along a longitudinal section.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the fasteners and connector
block of FIG. 1 viewed along section 2-2, with electrical
conductors positioned in the connector block.
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a fastener according to another
embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fastener according to yet
another embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the fastener of FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second portion of the fastener
of FIG. 10.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second portion of the fastener
of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and the arrangement of components set
forth in the following description or illustrated in the following
drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it
is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used
herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded
as limiting. Use of "including" and "comprising" and variations
thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use
of "consisting of" and variations thereof as used herein is meant
to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents
thereof. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms
"mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations
thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect
mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.
FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a connector including a connector body or
block 14 and a fastener 10 for connecting an electrical conductor 6
(FIG. 8) to the connector block 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The fastener 10
includes a first portion 18 and a second portion 22 positioned
within the first portion 18. The fastener 10 is configured to be
inserted at least partially through an outer surface 26 of the
connector block 14 to engage the electrical conductor 6 (FIG. 8)
positioned within the connector block 14. More specifically, the
first portion 18 is coupled to the connector block 14 and the
second portion 22 is telescopically coupled to the first portion 18
for selective movement of the second portion 22 relative to the
first portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector
block 14 includes a first bore 12 and a second bore 16, and an
inner wall 20 partitions the first bore 12 from the second bore 16.
Among other things, the inner wall 20 provides a mechanical stop
for electrical conductors 6a, 6b (FIG. 8) inserted into the first
bore 12 and the second bore 16 to insure proper positioning of the
conductors 6a, 6b and also to prevent leakage of fluid (e.g. oil)
when connecting fluid impregnated conductors.
With reference to FIGS. 1-5, in the illustrated embodiment the
first portion 18 includes a cylindrical body 30 having a first or
upper end 34 and a second or lower end 38 opposite the upper end
34. The cylindrical body 30 is adapted to engage openings 42
positioned on the outer surface 26 of the connector block 14 (FIG.
1). The first portion 18 further includes an inner surface 46 and
an outer surface 50. Each of the inner surface 46 and the outer
surface 50 extends between the upper end 34 and the lower end
38.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-5, the outer surface 50 includes a
threaded section 54 and a non-threaded section 58. The non-threaded
section 58 is positioned adjacent the upper end 34, while the
threaded section 54 is positioned adjacent the lower end 38. In the
illustrated embodiment, the threaded section 54 of the outer
surface 50 threadably engages threads 60 of the openings 42 of the
connector block 14. Threading the first portion 18 into one of the
openings 42 inserts the first portion 18 into the outer surface 26
of the connector block 14.
With reference to FIG. 2, once the non-threaded section 58 engages
the threads 60 of the opening 42, the first portion 18 will stop
inserting into the opening 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the
non-threaded section has a length that is configured to position
the upper end 34 of the first portion 18 flush with the outer
surface 26 of the connector block 14. In other words, the first
portion 18 can be threaded into one of the openings 42 to
progressively insert the first portion 18 into the connector block
14 until the non-threaded section 58 is reached. The non-threaded
section 58 is configured to inhibit rotation of the first portion
18 relative to the connector block 14 when the non-threaded portion
58 is adjacent (i.e., flush with) the outer surface 26 of the
connector block 14.
With reference to FIGS. 3A, 4, and 5, the second portion 22
includes a head 62, a base 70, and a shearable section 66
positioned between the head 62 and the base 70. The illustrated
shearable section 66 extends from a lower end of the head 62 to a
first or upper end 74 of the base 70. Furthermore, the shearable
section 66 includes an end 82 adjacent the upper end 74 of the base
70. The illustrated shearable section 66 tapers from the head 62 to
the end 82. The head 62 is configured to be rotated by a drive tool
(not shown) for inserting the fastener 10 into one of the openings
42 of the connector block 14.
With reference to FIGS. 3A and 4, the illustrated head 62 includes
a hex shape and an inner surface 86 defining a socket 90. In other
embodiments, the head 62 may include either the hex shape or the
socket. The head 62 is configured to be rotated by the drive tool
for inserting the first portion 18 and the second portion 22 into
one of the openings 42. The drive tool can be a hex key (e.g.,
Allen wrench) that is configured to engage the hex shape of the
fastener 10, and/or a socket wrench that is configured to engage
the socket 90.
The socket 90 extends from an upper surface 94 of the head 62
through an upper surface 98 at the first end 74 of the base 70. The
socket 90 is configured to facilitate removal of the base 70 from
one of the openings 42 of the connector block 14 after the head 62
has been separated from the base 70. In other words, the upper
surface 98 of the base 70 includes the socket 90 for removal of the
fastener 10 by the drive tool after the head 62 has sheared from
the base 70.
As shown in FIG. 4, the shearable section 66 includes a fixed break
off point 102 positioned at the end 82 of the shearable section 66
adjacent the base 70. The head 62 is configured to separate from
the base 70 at the fixed break off point 102. Specifically, the
drive tool applies a torque to the fastener 10 until the applied
torque reaches a predetermined torque limit of the fixed break off
point 102. Subsequently, the torque applied by the drive tool
separates (i.e., shears) the head 62 from the base 70 at the break
off point 102 (FIG. 4). In some embodiments, the socket 90 may
include a blocking member (not shown) positioned within the head 62
(i.e., in the socket 90 between the upper surface 94 of the head 62
and the upper surface 98 of the base 70). The blocking member may
be a rubber insert, a projection extending from the inner surface
86 of the socket 90, or another blocking feature. The blocking
member is configured to inhibit insertion of the drive tool (e.g.,
Allen wrench) completely within the socket 90 such that the torque
is applied to the head 62 of the fastener 10 and not to the base
70. As such, the blocking member may ensure that the fastener 10
shears at the fixed break off point 102 when the predetermined
torque limit is reached.
With reference to FIGS. 2-5, the base 70 includes an outer surface
106 extending from the first end 74 to the second end 78. The outer
surface 106 includes threads for threadably engaging threads on the
inner surface 46 of the first portion 18 (FIG. 5). In some
embodiments, the inner surface 46 of the first portion 18 includes
threads extending between the upper end 34 and the lower end 38; in
other embodiments, only a portion of the inner surface 46 may
include threads. As such, the second portion 22 is configured to
move relative to the first portion 18. Furthermore, the second end
78 of the base 70 is adapted to engage the electrical conductor 6
(FIG. 8). In other words, the base 70 can be threaded into the
first portion 18 to progressively insert the second end 78 into the
connector block 14 until the second end 78 contacts an outer
surface of the electrical conductor 6 (FIG. 8). More specifically,
rotation of the second portion 22 relative to the first portion 18
progressively inserts the second portion 22 through the first
portion 18. As such, the fastener 10 can be adjusted to engage and
provide electrical contact with electrical conductors of different
sizes (i.e., different outer diameters, width, shape,
circumference, etc.).
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, the first end 74 of the base 70
further includes a flange 110. The flange 110 engages the upper end
34 of the first portion 18 for rotating the first portion 18 and
the second portion 22 together. The first and second portions 18,
22 are co-rotatable until the non-threaded section 58 of the first
portion 18 reaches the threads 60 of one of the openings 42 (i.e.,
when the upper end 34 of the first portion 18 is flush with the
outer surface 26 of the connector block 14), thereby inhibiting
rotation of the first portion 18 (FIG. 4). Application of
additional torque to the fastener 10 causes the flange 110 to shear
or break off or separate from the base 70 (FIG. 3B). Subsequently,
the second portion 22 can rotate relative to the first portion
18.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 7, in operation, the fastener 10 is
positioned within one of the openings 42 of the connector block 14.
Initially, the flange 110 of the base 70 couples the first and
second portions 18, 22 together for co-rotation at least in an
insertion direction. The drive tool (not shown) applies a torque to
the head 62 for insertion of the fastener 10 into the connector
block 14 due to the engagement of the threads of the outer surface
50 of the first portion 18 and the threads 60 of one of the
openings 42. The applied torque rotates the fastener 10 to
progressively insert the first portion 18 into the connector block
14 until the non-threaded section 58 is reached, thereby
positioning the upper end 34 of the first portion 18 substantially
flush with the outer surface 26 of the connector block 14.
As a user continues to apply torque, the flange 110 breaks off of
the base 70 and the second portion 22 begins to rotate relative to
the first portion 18. The base 70 of the second portion 22 extends
from the first portion 18 towards the electrical conductor 6 (FIG.
8) by rotation of the base 70 relative to the inner surface 46 of
the first portion 18. The predetermined torque limit is reached
when the second end 78 of the base 70 engages the electrical
conductor 6. As such, the fastener 10 is configured to electrically
connect the connector block 14 to the electrical conductor 6 using
the first portion 18 and the base 70 of the second portion 22. Upon
application of additional torque, the head 62 shears from the base
70 at a predetermined fault feature (e.g., the shearable section
66). In the illustrated embodiment, the shearable section 66 is
recessed relative to an outer surface 26 of the connector block 14,
thereby avoiding the need to file down any sharp protrusions or
wrap a material around the connector block 14. In addition, the
shearing of the head 62 provides a positive indication that the
fastener 10 has been correctly installed and is sufficiently
tightened. The base 70 includes the socket 90 for facilitating ease
of removal of the fastener 10 from the connector block 14 once the
fastener 10 has been installed (i.e., once the head 62 shears from
the base 70).
As shown in FIG. 8, the fastener 10 is adaptable to engage
electrical conductors 6a, 6b having different sizes. Specifically,
the first portion 18 moves relative to the connector block 14 and
the second portion 22 selectively moves relative to the first
portion 18 for accommodating a range of sizes of the electrical
conductors 6a, 6b. For example, a first electrical conductor 6a has
a relatively large size compared to a second electrical conductor
6b, and the second end 78 of the base 70 engages the first
electrical conductor 6a before the flange 100 breaks off of the
base 70. By comparison, the second electrical conductor 6b has a
relatively small size such that the second end 78 of the base 70
engages the electrical conductor 6b after the flange 110 separates
from the base 70, and after the second portion 22 extends relative
to the first portion 18. As such, the fastener 10 can engage and
maintain electrical contact with electrical conductors having
different sizes. The fastener 10 provides electrical communication
between the electrical conductors 6a, 6b and, at least in some
cases, the connector block 14. In other embodiments, an electrical
conductor may have an intermediate size, and the second end 78 of
the base 70 engages the electrical conductor after the flange 110
separates from the base 70, but before the second portion 22
extends relative to the first portion 18.
In some embodiments, an inner surface of the connector block 14 may
have a knurled inner bore to break through oxide layers on the
electrical conductors 6 and grip the conductors. In some
embodiments, an oxide inhibitor may be used to abrade and penetrate
the conductor oxides.
FIG. 9 shows a fastener according to another embodiment. A
shearable section 66' may include a shear pin (not shown) for
co-rotation of the first portion 18' and the second portion 22'.
Specifically, the first portion 18' may include an aperture 114
positioned near the upper end 34', and the base 70' may include a
corresponding aperture 118 near the upper end 74'. The shear pin
can extend through the apertures 114, 118 to couple the first
portion 18' and the second portion 22' together for co-rotation.
Furthermore, the shear pin will break or shear upon application of
a predetermined torque after a non-threaded section 58' of the
first portion 18' engages the threads 60 of the opening 42. After
the shear pin breaks, the second portion 22' can rotate relative to
the first portion 18'.
FIGS. 10-13 illustrate a fastener 410 according to yet another
embodiment. Features of fastener 410 that are similar to features
of the fastener 10 are identified with similar reference numbers,
plus 400. At least some differences between the fastener 410 and
the fastener 10 are described in detail.
As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second portion 422 has an outer
hex-shaped profile but does not include a socket extending through
the head 462 and shearable section 466. Also, as shown in FIGS. 12
and 13, notches or slots 530 are positioned adjacent one end (e.g.,
an upper end 434) of a cylindrical body 430 of the first portion
418. The slots 530 are configured to engage a tool (e.g., a keyed
wrench) to permit a user to rotate both the first portion 418 and
the second portion 422 to remove the fastener 410 from an opening
42 of a connector block 14 (FIG. 2). Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a
portion 444 of an inner surface 446 of the first portion 418
proximate a lower end 438 (e.g., an end proximate an inner portion
of the connector block 14) includes threads, while a portion 448 of
the inner surface 446 between the threaded portion 444 and an upper
end 434 is smooth.
The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are
presented by way of example only and are not intended as a
limitation upon the concepts and principles presented herein. As
such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications
exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent
aspects as described.
* * * * *